Stamps are a common feature in most organizations and offices. They are used to signify the identity of a person or organization. A simple stamp is made of a carved, moulded or engraved sheet of rubber. The imprint is made using either a dye or pigment, popularly known as ink.

The rubber is often mounted onto a more stable object such as a wooden or acrylic block to produce a more solid instrument. The ink coated rubberstamp is then pressed onto any medium, usually a piece of paper or fabric, to get the impression transferred onto it.

Rubber stamps were invented in ancient China during the reign of the Qin Dynasty. The rubber stamp was a carving that was originally used as an imperial seal by the emperor to approve all documents. The royal seal was called the Xi, which translated into the imperial seal. During that period, these stamps were used only by royalty.

Further development in seals saw those used by individuals as a personalized stamp. These non-official custom stamps were called Yin during the Tang Dynasty. Soon, the stamp culture spread beyond China and left its mark on the entire world.

Today, commercial rubber stamps can be broadly divided into two categories, those used in offices and other commercial organizations and those used as decortive items or childrens playtoys. The former category is usually used as a permanent representation of a partys official name or logo. These stamps can be used as legal proofs in a court of law. The art stamps are fast growing in popularity as decorative items. These come in a variety of colors, shapes and designs and are used to decorate fabrics, envelopes, greeting cards, pottery and other decorative pieces.

The use of rubber stamps for a variety of purposes is growing with every passing day. May it be for stamping important and confidential documents or decorating a birthday card for a friend, the use of these simple objects is universal.